Jemangmaega () is an 8th-century hyangga written by a Buddhist monk named âÂÂWolmyeongsaâ in the ancient Korean kingdom of Silla. The poem was included in Samguk Yusa, a collection of folklore from the Three Kingdoms period. The poem still remains one of the most popular Korean works of literature today.
The poem's title âÂÂJemangmaegaâ roughly translates to âÂÂA Requiem for a Dead Sister.â Consequently, the poem is about the author mourning his sister's death in a regretful and sad tone. A variety of figurative expressions such as similes, metaphors, and philosophical statements related to death are present in the work.
It is believed that the poem was written during the deceased sister's jesa, a traditional Korean funeral. Legend states that upon writing the poem on a piece of paper, a strong gust of wind flew the paper westwards. In Korean and Buddhist folklore, a paper flying towards the west means that the wish on the paper has been granted.
<blockquote></blockquote>